Lima, Peru, October 22, 2024 — Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo was sentenced on Monday to more than 20 years in prison after being convicted of accepting millions of dollars in bribes from Brazilian construction company Odebrecht. National Superior Court of Specialized Criminal Justice in Lima delivered the verdict, marking the latest chapter in one of South America’s largest corruption scandals.
Toledo, who served as Peru’s president from 2001 to 2006, was convicted of receiving $35 million in bribes from Odebrecht in exchange for awarding the company a lucrative contract to build a major road connecting Peru’s southern coast to the Amazonian region in western Brazil. The original cost of the project was $850 million, but the price ballooned to $2.1 billion as a result of corrupt dealings.
The court, led by Judge Ines Rojas, sentenced the 78-year-old ex-president following years of legal battles, including an international extradition process. Toledo had been living in the United States before his surrender at a federal court in California, where he was ultimately extradited to face trial in Peru.
In her ruling, Judge Rojas condemned Toledo’s actions, stating that he had “defrauded the state” and betrayed the trust of the Peruvian people. As president, she emphasized, Toledo was responsible for managing public finances and ensuring proper use of resources. Instead, he exploited his position for personal gain.
Odebrecht Scandal and Toledo’s Role
Toledo’s conviction is part of the broader Odebrecht scandal, which has implicated numerous politicians and officials across Latin America. Odebrecht, now renamed Novonor, became infamous for its extensive bribery network, which spanned multiple countries between 2001 and 2016. company paid millions in bribes to secure government contracts, a practice that not only tainted public infrastructure projects but also weakened the region’s institutions.
Peruvian prosecutors argued that Toledo’s acceptance of Odebrecht’s bribes was a key factor in the skyrocketing costs of a road construction project, a 650-kilometer stretch that was vital for economic connectivity between Peru and Brazil.
Toledo has consistently denied charges of money laundering and collusion, claiming that allegations are politically motivated. Despite his defense, the court found him guilty on both counts.
Health Concerns and Plea for Leniency
In weeks leading up to sentencing, Toledo, who suffers from cancer and heart issues, made an emotional plea to the court, asking for leniency due to his poor health. “Please let me heal or die at home,” he implored, requesting to serve his sentence under house arrest.
However, the court declined his request, asserting that the severity of his crimes warranted a full prison sentence. Toledo’s legal team is expected to appeal the decision, but for now, the former president faces the prospect of spending the remainder of his life behind bars.
A Symbol of Corruption in Peru
Toledo’s sentencing is seen as a significant moment in Peru’s ongoing struggle against corruption, which has plagued its political landscape for decades. Multiple former Peruvian presidents, including Ollanta Humala, Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, and the late Alan García, have been linked to the Odebrecht scandal in some capacity.
Toledo once hailed as a champion of democracy after leading protests against the authoritarian regime of Alberto Fujimori, now finds himself disgraced and imprisoned. His conviction serves as a stark reminder of the depth of corruption that has infiltrated Peru’s highest offices.
Peruvian people, who once trusted Toledo as a reformer, now see him as a symbol of corruption that has devastated the country’s political system. Judge Rojas highlighted this betrayal in her sentencing, stating that Toledo’s victims were very people who had placed their faith in his leadership.
As Peru continues to grapple with the fallout of the Odebrecht scandal, the country’s judiciary faces the enormous task of holding those responsible accountable, and ensuring that justice is served in the fight against corruption.
